That was this morning's big news, and then former Secretary of State Colin Powell appeared on NBC's Meet the Press and formally endorsed Sen. Barack Obama.
McCain-Palin was quick to respond that Sec. Powell's endorsement of Sen. Obama was "not unexpected" -- but taking the long view here, that statement doesn't pass the laugh test.
Both Sen. McCain and Sec. Powell are retired military men and moderate Republicans, each with a record of "reaching across the aisle" and exercising independent judgment. Reportedly, they're longtime friends as well.
Sen. McCain, who once had every reason to be optimistic about landing Sec. Powell's endorsement, proceeded to squander his advantages -- from abandoning his centrist nature and pandering to the right, to choosing the clearly unqualified Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate, to his erratic campaign now spiraling down into desperate disinformation.
This morning's announcement was nothing less than the wages of Sen. McCain's self-sabotage. Here are a few excerpts from what Sec. Powell said.
I judge Sec. Powell to be smart, articulate, thoughtful and, despite his party affiliation, fundamentally independent -- above and beyond his ribbons and stars, that's why he has my admiration. He spoke this morning with characteristic honor and grace, reinforcing my respect."I think that Sen. Obama brings a fresh set of eyes, a fresh set of ideas to the table. I think we need a generational change, and I think Sen. Obama has captured the feelings of the young people of America, and is reaching out in a more diverse, inclusive way across our society."
"I strongly believe that at this point in America's history, we need a president that will not just continue basically the policies we have been following in recent years. I think we need a transformational figure. I think we need a president who is a generational change."
""I don't believe [Gov. Palin is] ready to be President of the United States, which is the job of Vice President."
"I think [Bill Ayers, robocalls, etc.] goes too far. I think it's made the McCain campaign look a little narrow. I look at these kinds of approaches to the campaign, and they trouble me. The party has moved further to the right."
"Taxes are always a redistribution of money. Most of the taxes that are redistributed go back to those who paid them, in roads and airports and hospitals and schools. And taxes are necessary for the common good. And there is nothing wrong with examining what our tax structure is or who should be paying more, who should be paying less. And for us to say that that makes you a socialist, I think is an unfortunate characterization that isn't accurate."
"[Sen. Obama is] thinking that all villages have values, all towns have values, not just small towns have values."
On many of his points and observations, in fact, Sec. Powell and I are in complete agreement. We will, however, be voting for different candidates on November 4th.
